The expression "Hollywood novel" brings to mind cartoonish characters and outlandish plots, but Christine Sneed's "Little Known Facts" is anything but a tabloid novel. Sneed is an accomplished short story writer, and she makes that talent abundantly clear in this debut novel.

What is it like to be in the orbit of a famous star? Sneed spotlights that question in this novel about a family living in the shadow of a celebrity.

But what distinguishes "Little Known Facts" is its universality. Sneed possesses uncanny insight into the power dynamics in families, friendships and workplaces.

Exquisitely structured, with its spotlight segueing among characters, bits of tabloids, journal entries and overheard conversations, "Little Known Facts" is one of those rare novels that is both profound and fun.

An excerpt from "Little Known Facts" was published Feb. 10 in Printers Row Journal. Subscribers can read it in the digital archives.